Apparatus and method for providing items of value in cooperation with operation of a companion device

Abstract

An apparatus for providing at least one item of value in cooperation with operation of a companion device delivering at least one first product to a user comprises: (a) a control means for controlling the providing; (b) a providing means for effecting the providing; the providing means being coupled with the control means; and (c) a link with the companion device for effecting the cooperation. The apparatus may further comprise (d) a communication means coupled with the control means for communicating operational information with the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and (e) a memory means coupled with the communication means for storing the operational information. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a control means for controlling the providing; (b) providing a providing means coupled with the control means for effecting the providing; and (c) providing a link with the companion device for effecting the cooperation. The method may comprise the further steps of: (d) providing a communication means coupled with the apparatus for communicating operational information with the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and (e) providing a memory means coupled with the communication means for storing the operational information. The method may still further comprise the step of: (f) communicating at least one directive with the apparatus from a locus remote from the apparatus for effecting a change regarding the at least one item of value.

1. An apparatus for use in cooperation with operation of an attached companion product vending device; said attached companion product vending device delivering at least one first product purchased by a user; said user initiating said purchase by conveying payment to said companion device and exercising an actuator; the apparatus comprising:
 (a) a control means for controlling the apparatus in dispensing at least one coupon in response to said exercising; said at least one coupon being redeemable for value in connection with purchasing at least one second product; 
 (b) a providing means for effecting said dispensing; said providing means being coupled with said control means and responsive to said control means; 
 (c) a direct link between the apparatus and said actuator for effecting said cooperation; 
 (d) a communication means coupled with said control means for communicating operational information with the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and 
 (e) a memory means coupled with said communication means for storing said operational information; 
 
       said communication means comprising a telephone connection with a remote controlling station. 
     
     
       2. An apparatus for use in cooperation with operation of a companion product vending device; said companion product vending device and the apparatus being assembled in a unitary configuration; said companion product vending device delivering at least one first product purchased by a user; said user initiating said purchase by conveying payment to said companion device and exercising an actuator; the apparatus comprising:
 (a) a control means for controlling the apparatus in dispensing at least one coupon in response to said exercising; said coupon being redeemable for value in connection with purchasing at least one second product; 
 (b) a providing means coupled with said control means for effecting said dispensing; 
 (c) a direct link between the apparatus and said actuator for effecting said cooperation; 
 (d) a communication means coupled with said control means for communicating operational information with the apparatus from outside the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and 
 (e) a memory means coupled with said communication means for storing said operational information; said communication means comprising a satellite communication connection with a remote controlling station. 
 
     
     
       3. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device; said vending device having an interior storage cavity for storing a plurality of units of a product and a door; said door being enabled for moving from a closed position to an open position by a user conveying payment to said vending device; said cavity being accessible by said user when said door is in said open position; the apparatus comprising:
 (a) a control unit for controlling the apparatus in dispensing at least one coupon in response to said door moving from said closed position to said open position; said at least one coupon being redeemable for at least one product; 
 (b) a providing means for effecting said dispensing; said providing means being coupled with said control means sand responsive to said control means; and 
 (c) a direct link between the apparatus and said door for effecting said cooperation. 
 
     
     
       4. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device as recited in  claim 3  wherein the apparatus further comprises:
 (d) a communication means coupled with said control means for communicating operational information with the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and 
 (e) a memory means coupled with said communication means for storing said operational information. 
 
     
     
       5. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device as recited in as recited in  claim 4  wherein said communication means comprises a telephone connection with a remote controlling station. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device as recited in as recited in  claim 4  wherein said communication means comprises an access port for providing control access by an operator effecting a connection with the apparatus via said access port. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device as recited in as recited in  claim 4  wherein said communication means comprises a satellite communication connection with a remote controlling station. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device as recited in  claim 4  wherein said link is a mechanical link connecting said door with the apparatus. 
     
     
       9. An apparatus for use in cooperation with a vending device as recited in  claim 4  wherein said link is an electronic link connecting said door with the apparatus.